Independent field journalWestern uplands · 2026–27
Think clearly. Train honestly. Carry what works.Bird dogs. Wild birds. Public land.
Hunting, fitness, martial arts, preparedness, ideas and conflict, and equipment that earns its place.Western bird hunting, fieldcraft, preparedness, ideas and conflict, and equipment that earns its place.
Utah’s 2026 chukar season opens September 26, and the outlook is encouraging across much of the state. Here’s what DWR is forecasting, where to look for birds, and how I approach steep-country chukar hunting.
4 min read
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My Franchi died early last season, leaving me hunting behind a heavier Beretta A300. I wanted something lighter for the chukar hills, and the Benelli Ethos 20 gauge looked nearly perfect on paper. After about 500 rounds on clays, here’s what I think before taking it into the field.
KT-Mech built a duty holster for the FNX-45 Tactical when Safariland would not. Then the screws began falling out—and during a fight, the gun nearly followed them.
I do not like Glocks. After carrying a Gen 3 Glock 17 for a decade, I have plenty of reasons why. Yet my everyday carry gun is a Glock 19 because reliability, safety, simplicity, and unmatched aftermarket support matter more than personality.
The Staccato HD 4.5 combines 1911 shootability with modern capacity, Glock-pattern magazine logistics, duty-grade reliability, and serious holster support.
Hunting
